“Sport holds the power to unify and connect people all over the world,” Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia told the crowd through a translator. “Sport should never be used as a battleground.”

More than 6,400 athletes gathered on Boston Common for the 10K organized by the Boston Athletic Association, the same nonprofit that handles the annual marathon. Spots for Sunday’s race sold out in 13 hours online.

“Let me tell you: As mayor of this great city for the last several years, I have never seen Boston come together like it has after the attacks,” Menino told the crowd. “Thank you for making Boston stronger.”